Here you will find some common questions regarding physiotherapy treatment. Scroll down to find the answers below
- Do I need a Doctor’s referral to receive physiotherapy treatment?
- How do I know if physiotherapy is the right treatment for my condition?
- What can I expect when I see a physiotherapist for the first time?
- How do I make an appointment for physiotherapy and how quickly will I be seen?
- How long will the appointments last and how many sessions will I need?
Q: Do I need a Doctor’s referral to receive physiotherapy treatment?
A: You do not require a referral from a Doctor to receive physiotherapy. However if you are using private medical insurance to cover the cost of treatment it is best to check with them first as they sometimes require a Doctor’s referral.
Q: How do I know if physiotherapy is the right treatment for my condition?
A: There are many treatment choices available but physiotherapy aims to treat the cause of pain rather than treat the symptoms. Therefore, the healing process can sometimes takes longer with physiotherapy, however the problem is less likely to return as the cause itself has been addressed & eliminated as far as is possible.
Q: What can I expect when I see a physiotherapist for the first time?
A: Initially the physiotherapist will ask a number of questions and allow you to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible in order for a subjective assessment of the problem to be made. Next the physiotherapist will examine you physically, it is therefore important that you wear suitable clothing. Following the full assessment, the physiotherapist will then discuss the findings, cause of the problem and a suitable treatment plan. If possible, the treatment can then commence at that first session.
Q: How do I make an appointment for physiotherapy and how quickly will I be seen?
A: You can make an appointment using the information found on the contact us page. For urgent treatment, appointments can normally be made for the following day, for all other treatments appointments are guaranteed in 3 days or less.
Q: How long will the appointments last and how many sessions will I need?
A: The first appointment normally takes 45 to 60 minutes to allow a full assessment and initial treatment. Subsequently follow up sessions can be shorter but it depends on the condition and the type of treatment required. Each condition varies in terms of recovery time, however following the assessment your physiotherapist will be able to provide an estimate of the number of sessions needed to fully resolve the problem. There are elements of the rehabilitation process that you must undertake independently, these might include exercises, stretches, hot/cold therapy, but they will be fully explained to you by the physiotherapist.